The document summarizes key aspects of the British Constitution, including that it is unwritten and found across various documents rather than codified in a single text. It notes debates around codifying the constitution to make it more accessible versus keeping it unwritten for flexibility. The summary also outlines two basic principles: parliamentary sovereignty and the separation of powers.

1. Principles of the Constitution Essay
April 21, 2013
Principles of the Constitution
POS 301
Part I: Principles of the Constitution| | DEFINITION| | Self–Government| A government in which
the people who live in a place make laws for themselves.| In Massachusetts Bay, men who owned
property could go to a town meeting and vote. | Separation of Powers| Power of the Constitution is
divided among the three branches.| James Madison and the other authors of the Constitution created
three branches to make sure that the government's powers were limited.| Checks and Balances| A
system that lets each branch limit the power of the other two.| No single branch or person had the
power to run the United States alone.|
The U.S. Constitution is the...show more content...
Part II: The Three Branches of the Government|
Legislative Branch Headed by Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) * Pass Laws *
Originate Bills * Impeach officials * Approve treaties
Executive Branch Headed by the president * Direct the government * Command the Armed Forces
* Deal with international powers * Act as chief law enforcement officer * Veto laws
Judicial Branch Headed by the Supreme Court * Interpret the Constitution * Review laws * Decide
cases involving states' rights
Balance of Power Interaction/The ways each branch of the national government can check the power
of the other two branches:
The Supreme Court can declare a law passed by Congress unconstitutional
The Supreme Court can declare the President's actions unconstitutional
The President chooses the judges for the national government's courts
The President approves or vetoes laws passed by Congress
Congress must approve the judges the President chooses for the national court
If two–thirds of the Senate and House agree, Congress can pass a law even if the president has
vetoed it
How a bill becomes a law:
All of the laws in the United States begin as a bill, which must be approved by the Senate, House
of Representatives, and the President. The bill stars as an idea from a representative or a citizen
who has an idea and tells their representative about the idea. The representative then decides if the
idea is

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3. The Making of the Constitution Essay
A Plan in the Making
Some people have always wondered whether the making of Constitution of the United States was, in
fact, supposed to happen at the Constitutional Convention or if it was even supposed to be drawn up
in the way it was. In this essay, I will summarize to different views on what went on at the
Constitutional Convention and how the Constitution of the United States come about. I want to
emphasize that none of these views or theories discussed in this essay are my own. The convention
that is referred to was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It began In May of 1787.
I will first discuss John P. Roche’s views on theframing of the Constitution. He begins
talking about the...show more content...
Others wanted the majority of the power to remain with the states. The reason being that people did
not want a government that was like Britain’s. With this entire situation going on, how
were the representatives going to form a new government? Roche says that the Constitutionalists had
great success in convincing all the other representatives that change was needed and necessary.
After this, the majority of the representatives felt the need to not revise the Articles of
Confederation, but to make a whole new document stating all of the laws and rules that were to be a
new government. Roche then says that even though all of these representatives were in agreement
about making a new government, they all had their own ideas on how it would work. With all the
representatives arguing over whose idea was better, only compromise would be the final solution.
Roche after his analysis is done, concludes that the Constitution of the United States was actually a
series of compromises to fulfill not only the public’s needs, but also to satisfy all of the
representatives at the Constitutional Convention.
In Charles A. Beard’s discussions, he also says that the convention was not held to
frame a new supreme law of the land. He says that after the United States had gained its
independence, all that was left to do was to maintain social order, and to develop favorable
conditions that appeal to not only
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4. Amendments to the Constitution Essay
The framers of our Constitution knew that time has a way of changing countries and their citizens.
Our country was in a whirlwind of change in 1789 as people were experiencing freedom from the
tyranny of England for the first time in their lives. Our country was being molded and formed into a
great nation by the founding fathers. Expectations and rules had to be set to protect the rights of the
minorities and majorities. Amendments to the Constitution were written to ensure equality for all in
changing times. The First Amendment is one of the most recognized rights in the Bill of Rights. It
is a basic right that seems to help define each person as an individual yet as part of an association.
The amendment states that "Congress...show more content...
The government can not censor the press, even if what is published is against the government. The
free press helps to protect citizens' rights and hold the government in check. Also in accordance to
the First Amendment, people have the right to join any organization of their choosing and come
together as a group, peaceably. The last right that the public has is the right to present the
government with petitions or letters that tell of their unhappiness and complaints against the
government. This is a right that our founding fathers did not have back in England. When they
declared independence from the King, they laid out all of their grievances for the world to see. In
contrast, our citizens today do no have to wait for a historical event to vent their frustrations. The
second amendment of the Constitution states –"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the
security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
(Constitution, Amendment 2). There is much debate as to whether the Amendment refers to
individuals having the right to bear arms or that we are entitled to have an army (militia) that is
ready at moments notice to fight for our country. Both interpretations are technically correct as they
are present in the Amendment. Every state had a National Guard that is readily available in case of
disaster or war. This goes without mentioning our military that are also ready and waiting. Everyone
shares in the protection
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5. Essay about The Constitution
The Constitution
The Constitution of the United States was written as a set of rules for this country. Many of the
"rules" have helped the country stay in order, but a great many have been abused and
taken out of context. Three provisions in the
Constitution that are important to my individual rights and liberties are freedom of speech, freedom
to vote, and that all people should be treated equally. These rights represent what is important to me
and what I believe in.
Freedom of speech is an important right to me. It is found under Amendment one of the
Constitution. I am a very outspoken person and I like to speak my mind on issues of all kind. The
country I was born in did not guarantee freedom of speech. People could be...show more content...
The writer s of the Constitution wanted people to feel safe that they could express their thoughts,
but they did not mean that a pornography store should be allowed to do business a few blocks
from public schools. I myself like speaking and telling other people what I think is right and what
I think is wrong, but the well being of the public has to be taken into consideration. The freedom of
speech insures me that right to speak out. When I turn eighteen, I am permitted to vote for people
representing my state. I actively watch the news and think about politics. With all the corruption and
"bad politics", the wrong people have forced some of the "good" people
out of the government. I feel the right to vote is an important right to me because it lets me to put
better people in the government. It also lets me decide who I want to run in office what people
should be in office. Many countries do not elect their government officials. In the United States when
you turn eighteen, you pick what's best for the country.
In the preamble to the Constitution it states "We the people of the
United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice..." The phrase
"establish justice" means ensure equality for all Americans. The founders of the
Constitution wanted a country where all people
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6. The Us Constitution Essay
The U.S. Constitution Essay The Preamble is an opening statement of the U.S. Constitution. The
Preamble replaced the Articles of Confederation. The 7 principles of the U.S. Constitution is
popular sovereignty, republicanism, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances,
limited government, and individual rights. It was agreed by the representatives. This is about the
U.S. Constitution. There are 3 branches of the U.S. Constitution. One of them is called the
Legislative Branch. The job of the branch is to make laws. It's made up of two houses. The laws
are written, discussed, and voted in congress. Both of them are called the House of
Representatives and the Senate. Once the House of Representatives makes a law they pass it to
the Senate. If the Senate agrees then it gets passed to the President. The leader of the House of
Representatives is Paul Ryan. The leader of the Senate is Mike Pence. The qualifications to be a
Representatives are must be elected in state, must be 7 years of citizen, must be 25 years old, and
must live in state elected. This is about the Legislative Branch. The second branch of the U.S.
Constitution is the Executive Branch. The leader is Donald J. Trump. The second–in–command is
Mike Pence. The advisors are the cabinets. The duties are the commander in chief, chief executive,
and chief log. The qualifications...show more content...
The main job of the Judicial Branch is to interpret laws. The name of the highest court is the
Supreme Court. The leader of the Judicial Branch is John J. Robert Jr. The members that are
appointed by is the President. The members of approved by is the Senate. The others are the
District courts and the Appellate Courts. The qualifications of the Judicial Branch is none. The
number of members are 9. The term of office is forever for life. The Supreme Court judge can only
be remove by retirement, death, or impeachment. The Judicial Branch determines if a law breaks the
Constitutions
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7. The U.S. Constitution Essay
A constitution is a written document that sets forth the fundamental rules by which a society is
governed. Throughout the course of history the United States has lived under two Constitutions
since the British–American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. First in
line was the Articles of Confederation (1789–1789) followed by the Constitution of United States of
America (1789–present). The Articles of Confederation was the first formal written Constitution of
America that specified how the national government was to operate. Unfortunately, the Articles did
not last long. Under the words of the Article's power was limited; Congress could make decisions,
but had no power to enforce them. Also the articles stated...show more content...
At the Constitutional Convention, delegates strongly believed in the rule of the majority, but at the
same time delegates wanted to protect minorities from any unjustness done by the majority. In order
to do this they separated and balanced out the powers of the national government in different
branches. Other basic constitutional aims that rose up at the Constitutional Convention were
separation of church and state, rights for individuals and states, ruled by the people {Americans],
and supremacy of the national government.
The Constitution pays a massive role in court decisions both in the federal and state cases. If the
State Supreme Court cannot come to a decision on a case, the case will be turned over to the
Supreme Court who has the final authority in interpreting the meaning of the Constitution in any
case. The courts also have the power of judicial review–to declare a law unconstitutional. Due to the
decision of Chief Justice John Marshall the Supreme Court has this power from the case of
Marbury v. Madison in 1801. The case Marbury v. Madison took place during the election of 1800
when Thomas Jefferson defeated President John Adams, but the new administration did not take
office until March of 1801. When the new administration took office James Madison (Secretary of
State) discovered that some commissions were not delivered. One of the people whose commission
had not been received
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8. The Making of the Constitution Essay
The Making of the Constitution
The Constitution of the United States, the fundamental law of the United States of America. Drafted
by the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pa., between May 25 and Sept. 17, 1787, it is the
world's oldest written constitution still in effect. The document presents a set of general principles
out of which implementing statutes and codes have emerged. As such, it embodies the essence of
constitutionality––that government must be confined by the rule of law. The House of
Representatives, Congress, The President and Vice President were executive powers outlined in key
sections within the Constitution. These people represented all of the colonies together as...show more
content...
Following this request the Constitutional Congress authorizes a convention for the explicit purpose
of revising the Articles of Confederation, on February 21, 1787. [ii]
Then on May 25, 1787, The Constitutional Convention begins with a quorum of 29 delegates from
seven states. Robert Morris of Philadelphia nominates George Washington as president of the
convention. The convention delegates agreed that a new constitution was needed. However, many
controversies had to be resolved before one could be drafted. A basic issue was the extent of powers
to be granted to the national government, and a major obstacle was the conflicting interests of large
and small states.[iii]
On May 28, 1787, Pierce Butler of South Carolina proposes that deliberations be in secret, so
delegates can speak without fear of public pressure. The secrecy rule is kept for the nearly four
months of deliberations. The following day May 29, 1787, The Virginia Plan, conceived largely by
James Madison, is proposed. It favors the big states, calling for a bicameral legislature with
representatives
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9. The Constitution Essay
THE CONSTITUTION
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure
domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the
Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the
United States of America.
IDEALS: Justice, tranquility , liberty, and posterity
Notes : Gen. statement about what the con. will entail Setting stage for American identity What the
country cares abt "We the people" demonstrates the idea of a nation united
Unknown word: Posterity– all future generations of people
Article. I: Legislative branch
Section. 1. Two house legislature
All legislative Powers...show more content...
The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of
the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by
Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each
State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of
New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode–Island and Providence
Plantations one, Connecticut five, New–York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware
one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.
NOTES: State reps. Based on pop More people= more say in gov Indians– no vote– no taxes Small
states= less rep. In gov
Massachusetts: 8
Rhode Island and Providence Plantations: 1
Connecticut: 5
New York: 6
New Jersey: 4
Pennsylvania: 8 Delaware: 1
Maryland: 6
Virginia: 10
North Carolina: 5 South Carolina: 5
Georgia: 3
As pop increased so did electoral #'s
UNKNOWN WORDS: Enumeration–mentioning a number of things one by one Subsequent–
following/ coming after
AMENDMENT!! Amendment 13 When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State,
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10. The British Constitution Essay example
The British Constitution
A constitution is a set of laws on how a country is governed. The British Constitution is unwritten,
unlike the constitution in America, and, as such, is referred to as an uncodified constitution. The
British Constitution can be found in a variety of documents. Supporters of our constitution believe
that the current way allows for flexibility and change to occur without too many problems. Those
who want a written constitution believe that it should be codified so that the public as a whole has
access to it – as opposed to just constitutional experts who know where to look and how to interpret
it.
Amendments to Britain's unwritten constitution are made the same way –...show more content...
There are two basic principles to the British Constitution:
* The Rule of Law
* The Supremacy of Parliament
The main arguments for a written and codified constitution:
Parliament is currently unrestrained:
It can make or unmake any law.
It cannot be checked by any other branch of the system
Its heavy workload can mean poor laws are passed
The Unitary system can mean the creation of laws that are inappropriate to regions of the UK
~ The independence of the Judiciary would be protected
~ Basic rights of citizens are identified and guaranteed
~ There will be less constitutional crises as there will not be confusion as to what is 'unconstitutional
behaviour'
~ A large parliamentary majority means the domination of the legislature by the executive. An
"elective dictatorship"
~ The first past the post system creates an "exaggerated mandate" for the largest party, which is

11. unlikely to have over 50% of the votes (this has not happened since 1945)
~ Without a Bill of Rights, it is Parliament's duty to preserve liberties. However these can be
removed at any time by Parliament (e.g. Internment, the Prevention of Terrorism Act).
The main arguments against a written and codified constitution:
~ "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". The British constitution has served us well over the
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